Wildfires, heatwaves endanger air quality, health: UN

GENEVA, Sept 7: Wildfires and heatwaves, which generate microscopic airborne pollutants, risk undermining international efforts to improve air quality, protect human health and safeguard nature, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday.

The United Nations' weather and climate agency underlined the links between air pollution and climate change, which scientists say is leading to more frequent and more intense heatwaves and wildfires.

"Extreme wildfires are increasing, leading to big health consequences because of the high toxicity of smoke," the WMO said in a statement accompanying its latest annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin.

"Whilst regulations in Europe and North America have reduced industrial and transport PM2.5 emissions, exposure to fire-related PM2.5 has increased."�" AFP